Cozumel - Post-IGTM fam trip

Immediately following the busy 4 days of the IGTM, about 50 Tour Operators from around the world went on to experience the delights of the Island of Cozumel - so close to the mainland, but really a world apart...
Our host on Cozumel was Mr. Benny Campos, the General Manager of the Jack Nicklaus designed lub Cozumel Country C. Benny was a fantastic host in every way, somehow managing to herd 50+ Tour operators, (many whom suffered from hangovers & lack of sleep!) onto a Ferry, and then into various hotels on the Island.
I was staying at El Cozumeleno Beach Resort, located on a beautiful stretch of beach, right across the street from the golf course (great views of the course from the entrance of my room on the 9th floor).
View of the swimming pool & beach at the Cozumeleno
On the first evening, all of the guests were treated to dinner at the neighbouring Playa Azul Hotel, a family run, very quaint hotel with real charm.
The following day, the group played golf at the Cozumel Country Club, and were treated to a truely unique layout and great wildlife! resident of Cozumel Country Club
After golf, there were of course the obligatory drinks and prizes to give out...
Uwe Bindhardtand Christer Herlin enjoying a post-round drink
Carla Berlin - Golf Holidays Abroad from the UK and Denise Langdon - Par NZ from New Zealand


A few of us decided to try the sport that Cozumel is really known for... Scuba diving. For me it had been about 10 years (or more) since I had been diving, and for my companians from the Czech Republic, it was their first time, so we started out with a crash course from the staff at .Pro-Dive Mexico in the swimming pool, followed by a 40 minute dive. Michael Krecek and Radek Jaromersky of Golf Planet SRO in the Czech RepublicThe first 20 minutes were spectacular, alonside a thriving reef, but the current was quite strong and kept us moving, so we covered a lot of ground in the time we were under...Mickael Krecek, Radek Jaromersky and Shelley Quinn
For our final night on Cozumel, we were treated to perhaps the best dinner of our trip in Mexico, at the Wyndham Resort Cozumel The atmosphere was perfect, and much care had gone into the set-up for this grand finale dinner. It was a great evening to finish off the trip and to say goodbye to new & old friends and associates.
Until the next event, that is all my news. I am now home in Whistler, Canada's #1 Golf Resort (which is currently covered in over 100cms of snow!). The courses here are due to open in May... until then, the courses will be used by local residents (myself included) for cross-country skiing... maybe next time I head out I'll snap some photos of the courses covered in white stuff...
Thanks to all of the Hotels, golf courses and restaurants in Cancun, the Mayan Riviera and Cozumel who hosted the Tour Operators for this 10th Anniversary IGTM event. I hope that the area sees tremendous growth in it's golf product - there are certainly choices for every type of traveller.

IGTM Cancun Dec 3 - 6, 2007

After the pre-fam tour of 4 days of golfing in the Mayan Riviera, it was time for the real work to begin: the IGTM 2007.
Over 500 participants played golf in the annual IGTM Golf Tournament, hosted at various courses throughout the Cancun area. While some were playing in the tournament, other delegats attended the IGTM Golf Clinic hosted at the Hilton Golf Club in Cancun. I was lucky enough to get a private golf lesson from a visiting pro from Germany (Thank you Harald!)at the impressive Fairmont Cameleon driving range & learning facility. Following my lesson, I moved back into Cancun to the Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort , and had a great room with a balcony overlooking the sea and the vast swimming pool.

On the evening of the 3rd, the IGTM hosted the Welcome Reception in a funky outdoor venue looking over the sea, the Flamingo Boardwalk. This was a great spot to meet up with old business associates and enjoy a Corona (or 2). The following day, the Cancun Convention Centre was packed with exibitors from all over the world, all busy with appointments from Golf Tour Operators interested in expanding to new destinations and expand contracts with existing ones.
I visited many of the exibitors from the Mayan Riviera, and our golf clients will soon be seeing all of my personal favorite golf courses and hotels for offer on our www.eagletours.com website. We plan to be selling golf package to the Mayan Riviera and Cozumel in early 2008, so be sure to visit our site early in the new year.

On the evening of the 4th, there was the 10th Anniversary Celebration of IGTM & IAGTO, hosted by the 'Me by Melia in Cancun . Giovanna Michaelis, Gwenna Pence & Shelley Quinn at the 'Me' by Melia

Wednesday followed with another day of appointments for all, and there were plenty of new contracts and new destinations discovered for many of the attending Tour Operators. On Wednesday evening, a group of Operators were treated to a delicious dinner at the fabulous Westin Cancun, hosted by the Starwood properties in attendance at the IGTM. Starwood.com

Finally, day 4 of the IGTM was a bit quieter in the Convention Centre - many buyers had most of their appointments completed, and elected to spend a few well-deserved hours with their toes in the sand, testing out the azure waters of the Carribean.
The IAGTO Awards Gala Dinner was hosted at the Gran Melia Cancun, and the meal and ceremony went off without a hitch. Many headed off to the after party at Margaritaville...I have no comments or photo-evidence on this party, as I headed straight back to get some well-deserved sleep! I had to be ready for the post-fam trip the following morning, heading bright & early to Cozumel... more on that adventure in my next update...

IAGTO Cancun fam trip - Mayan Riviera

I have just returned from my 3rd IGTM , held in Cancun, Mexico, and I am trying to adjust back to the Canadian climate.
I was fortunate enough to participate in the IAGTO pre and post fam trips. The pre-fam included golf at three fantastic golf courses located along the Mayan Riviera: El Camaleon Golf Course, designed by Greg Norman and managed by the Fairmont. I stayed for a couple of nights at the ultra-luxurious Fairmont Mayakoba Resort The service was exceptional, and the resort layout is unique. With various modes of transportation to get around (boat, bicyle and shuttle), there is no excuse not to get out and try all of the fantastic restaurants, pool areas and hotel facilities.
one of the luxurious pools at the Fairmont Mayakoba

Another great course, Iberostar's Playa Pariso designed by PB Dye will challenge any level of golfer.
The newly opened
Grand Hotel Paraiso is an adult-only five star all-inclusive property that should satisfy the most discerning guest. I didn't get the opportunity to stay here (this time!) - but had the tour, and it certainly looks impressive and grand.
.Uwe Bindhart and Carlton Carugati discuss the merits of hitting past the ladies tees
Finally, on our third day we golfed at Moon Palace . Set on the Mayan Riviera at the Moon Palace, this Nicklaus Signature Design, 7,165 yard, par-72, course is a true championship golf course that surpasses even the highest standards set by Palace Resorts. The day was HOT, but thanks to the frequent visits of the beverage cart (and the fact that it was 'all inclusive'), lots of cool beverages were consumed, and everyone stayed happy...There were even a few alligator spottings, which raised a few eyebrows (and certainly kept me well away from the water!).
The Cameloen Foursome: Uwe Bindhardt, Shelley Quinn, Carlton Carugati, Gwenna Pense